Howard Hartley

The Mantonovan Chronicles Book One book cover

The Mantonovan Chronicles

Sir Edric

Book One

A sweeping tale of magic, honour and destiny in a world divided between the life-giving power of Earth and the radiant might of Sol.

The first book in a four-part epic series

Two Powers. One World. A Divided Destiny.

The Free Countries flourish between two ancient balancing forces. Earth sustains all life, while Sol commands light, fire, and ambition. When the balance falters, heroes emerge.

Four books. One unforgettable journey.

Earth

Life. Growth. Endurance.

Nurtured by rivers, forests and fields, Earth is the power of birth and renewal. It sustains the people and tempers the wild.

Sol

Light. Fire. Ambition.

Born of the sun, Sol provides heat, light, and power. It inspires greatness, warming the land and illuminating the path, but It can also burn and Its mirages can dazzle.

The World

The Despotate of Ozane and The Free Countries

From the snow-capped mountains and lush valleys of Oskarsholm to the sun-scorched shores of Agarado, the Free Counties are lands of kingdoms, commerce, competition and compassion.  Facing them, the vast steppes and deserts of the Ozane empire with its ethos of strict discipline and obedience. Ancient rivalries simmer, and just one more spark could make them boil. Explore the continents, cities and strongholds that shape Sir Edric's quest.

The World of Mantonova map graphic

What Readers Are Saying

  • What we thought: This was one that nearly slipped under the radar and I am glad I picked it up. This turned out to be a very interesting take on Knights and crusades that brings in the forces of mystical forces. This proved to be a wonderful read and I cannot wait to see how the next chronicles further develop the storylines. Natalie Key FemaleFirst

    https://www.femalefirst.co.uk/books/debut-novel-set-fantastical-world-sir-edric-howard-hartley-1447720.html

    Natalie Key for FemaleFirst

  • I loved this book and can't wait for the next one to see how the story develops. Chapter 1 goes straight into the main character of the series and sets the landscape for the forthcoming action. Sir Edric's strategic military talent is shown early on so we know he is going to develop into something out of the ordinary and take a key role in fighting the menace from another land.

    Giving him a family background from a Knight of 'Luck' is an interesting twist and allows his character to develop with the honorable chivalric code of the knight, and as a channel for magic. 

    The presence of magic is introduced as powerful forces of nature that can be wielded as a force for good in the land or manipulated as an instrument for evil. I love the way Edric finds and develops his power as more characters are introduced to give layers to the story and expand its complexity . There is time travel, a slave revolt and the growing presence of a new force of evil in the land that kept me turning the pages. If you like David Eddings I recommend you read Sir Edric. 

    Jan Buckingham

Shield of Earth and Sol graphic

About the Author

Howard Hartley

A childhood in Africa, schooling on the windswept Lancashire coast, service in the Territorial Army, and a fifty-plus-year career in finance and commerce have gone before.

Howard Hartley now enjoys reading, writing, food and drink (especially beer), and genial company. 

 

Send a Message to Howard Hartley

Whether you have a question about Sir Edric; would like to know more about The Mantonovan Chronicles; or simply want to share your thoughts on the world of Mantonova; then Howard would be delighted to hear from you.

Use the form below to get in touch with any enquiries, comments, or messages about the books and writing.